Vivensa Foundation PhD by Publication funding – Now open – applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
A PhD by Publication recognises a substantial and coherent body of peer-reviewed work that demonstrates an original and significant contribution to knowledge, supported by appropriate academic supervision and accompanied by a critical synthesis that contextualises the publications within the wider field.
The Vivensa Foundation is now offering funding for PhDs by Publication for individuals working in ageing-related fields in the UK.
This initiative is intended for those who already have a body of high-quality, peer-reviewed work in ageing-related research and wish to compile these publications into a doctoral submission under appropriate academic supervision. This initiative aims to support individuals by covering UK university (i.e. host institution) registration fees at the home rate, as well as printing and binding costs associated with submission.
Please note:
- For this route your peer-reviewed work must be ageing-related and address one or more of the priority research themes outlined on page 22 of our 2025-30 Strategic Framework.
- As stated in the 2025-2030 Strategic Framework, we fund the remarkable science and radical social change needed for people in the UK to age well. Accordingly, we do not fund work that primarily benefits people outside the UK and/or organisations based outside the UK.
- We try to prioritise areas which are underfunded or are not associated with significant, dedicated national or international charities – so we do not fund work with a specific focus on cancer.
Support through this route is intended to enable registration for and submission of a PhD by Publication at a UK university. Funding can include:
- University (i.e. host institution) registration fees at the home rate.
- Printing, binding, and other costs required for submission.
Funding does not cover salary, research costs, or time to undertake further research. This support is intended specifically to enable doctoral registration and submission for applicants with a suitable body of published work.
To be eligible to apply for support for a PhD by Publication, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are a member of the Vivensa Academy.
- You have permission to live and work or study in the UK.
- You have been guided by a member of the Foundation’s Grants Team to apply for this funding support.
- Your work is ageing-related and address one or more of the priority research themes outlined on page 22 of our 2025-30 Strategic Framework.
- You have an existing body of ageing-related high-quality, peer-reviewed publications that can form the basis of a PhD by Publication registration and submission.
- You have approval in principle from a UK university to enrol on a PhD by Publication programme, with named academic supervision in place.
Please note:
- We do not fund work that primarily benefits people outside the UK and/or organisations based outside the UK. In addition, we do not fund work with a specific focus on cancer.
- Applicants already enrolled in a traditional PhD, holding a PhD, or offered a PhD studentship (whether fully or partly funded) are not eligible to apply for this funding stream.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact grants@vivensafoundation.org.uk for support.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that:
- Their peer-reviewed publications form a coherent body of ageing-related research with a clear intellectual focus.
- The work represents an original, independent, and significant contribution to knowledge at doctoral level.
- That their work supports the change needed for people in the UK to age well.
Assessment will focus on quality, coherence, contribution to knowledge, alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities and feasibility, rather than publication volume alone.
Successful applicants will be expected, in addition to any other requirements by the awarding university, to:
- Submit a doctoral thesis consisting of:
- A collection of their published works and
- a critical contextual synthesis that integrates the publications into a coherent academic narrative, in accordance with host institution regulations.
- Engage actively with the appointed academic supervisory or advisory team at the host institution.
- Complete and submit the PhD within the timeframe specified by the awarding university.
Following initial discussion with the Vivensa Foundation’s Grants Team, eligible applicants will be invited to apply through our online Grants Management Portal.
As part of the application form, applicants will be asked to provide a written response explaining:
- How obtaining a doctorate through a PhD by Publication will support their career and professional development in ageing-related research, both now and in the future.
- Why this route is the most appropriate doctoral route.
Applicants must also upload supporting documentation as part of their application:
- Full published texts of all peer-reviewed articles intended for inclusion in the PhD by Publication.
- Letters of support confirming permission to register and appropriate academic arrangements, including letters from:
- The relevant Postgraduate Research Office.
- The named senior academic advisor(s), confirming familiarity with PhD by Publication standards and agreement to provide academic support.
- The Head of School (or equivalent authority), confirming that the advisor(s) have appropriate expertise and capacity to fulfil their role.
This route is accessed through prior discussion with the Vivensa Foundation’s Grants Team. If you believe the PhD by Publication route may be suitable for you, please review the information above and contact the Grants Team at grants@vivensafoundation.org.uk for further guidance, to assess your eligibility and potential next steps.
Visit funding web page
(https://vivensafoundation.org.uk/apply-for-funding/)
